Cops sniffed out cannabis set-up after visiting producer’s home

Police discovered a cannabis growing set-up with four plants of the class B drug after they visited a home in Riddings.

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Tuesday, March 29, how Lewis David Newcombe, 25, of Frederick Street, Riddings, Alfreton, admitted producing cannabis after the discovery at his home.

Gillian Foxcroft said: “Officers went to this address and there was a strong smell of cannabis and they found a hyponic set-up with electric fans and flowing water and they searched the house and found four mature cannabis plants.”

Ms Foxcroft added that Newcombe’s mobile phone was examined but there was only evidence of communication between friends and there was no evidence of drug supplying.

Police also discovered timers and a black tent over the cannabis-grow and the four plants were two weeks from flowering.

Ms Foxcroft added that the set-up would have involved a considerable amount of money to establish.

Newcombe told police he had has been personally using cannabis for about ten years daily and even uses the drug in food and feels he functions quite well despite the frequent usage.

The defendant also revealed that he had had previous crops of cannabis but everything he grows has been for his own personal use.

Newcombe pleaded guilty to producing cannabis after the discovery on January 14.

Magistrates sentenced Newcombe to a 12 month community order with 100 hours of unpaid work and a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement.

The defendant was also ordered to pay a £60 victim surcharge and £85 costs.